A COMEDIAN told his brother that he “regretted” not getting the Covid-19 vaccine – just days before he died from the virus.
Christian Cabrera, who was also known as “Chinese Best Friend”, passed away on Saturday.
It’s reported the 40-year-old, of southern California, contracted Covid sometime after Christmas.
Christian, who was a dad to a three-year-old, was hospitalized earlier this month after feeling short of breath.
His brother Jino Cabrera told KTLA that the comic was skeptical of getting the vaccine as he claimed he never got sick.
Days before he died, Christian texted his brother: “I can’t breathe again. I really regret not getting the vaccine.
“If I could do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat to save my life.”
In an Instagram post, he shared a picture of himself on a ventilator in an intensive care ward.
He said: “Been here almost a week in ICU now not breathing on my own with Covid pneumonia infection on both lungs.”
The comic described the pain as the “worst” he had ever experienced.
Dozens of tributes have been paid as news of Cabrera’s death emerged.
Family members said Cabrera “had such a beautiful heart and soul and only wanted to bring laughter and joy to those around him”.
They added: Our hearts are completely broken, we did not prepare for his sudden passing.”
Fellow comic Michael Blackson penned: “@Chinesebestfrnd taught me what a true friendship is and I’ll never call anyone else my best friend.
“He was selfless and cared about everyone more than himself. Thanks for coming to my life Christian, I love u homie.”
In a separate post, Blackson wrote: “This is absolutely the worst day of my life.”
A GoFundMe page was created to help with his medical expenses while Cabrera was in hospital.
Unvaccinated Americans in Los Angeles are around six times more likely to be admitted to intensive care than someone who is fully vaccinated, according to the city’s Department of Public Health.
And, those who have been vaccinated and boosted are 25 times less likely to be admitted to ICU than those unvaccinated.
